Yes, you read that right. At 70 years young, SOFII co-founder Ken Burnett spent nearly six weeks of 2021 walking 500 miles along The Camino de Santiago. And not just so he could sing that Proclaimers song truthfully...

500 miles is a very long way to walk, along very challenging terrain.

Throughout the middle ages, thousands walked from their homes to make their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. This pilgrim’s path paved the way for many different routes across Europe, all coming together to arrive in the city surrounding the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Thanks to all sponsors who have given to keep SOFII going for the long haul. 

Thanks to more than 150 generous individuals, families and groups  Ken has reached and comfortably exceeded his initial goal, which for sure helped him to complete the long road ahead (500 miles to be exact!).  Ken and his companion Ginny reached Santiago de Compostela footsore and weary but very happy, on October 10th 2021. They also walked a further 15 kms towards Finisterra, to make up the full 500 miles. But, unlike the song, they won't be doing '500 more'.

Before he set out Ken said, ‘I’ve reached an age when even contemplating such a challenge seems entirely absurd. I’m so unfit, walking the Camino looms over me like a monstrous, exhausting nightmare, obviously unattainable. Even if my feet could make it, the rest of me is crying out in protest, saying, ‘get real Ken, admit it, you’re way past accomplishing anything like this!’ Yet those who have done it tell me it’s fulfilling, transformational, the experience of a lifetime. So I thought, ‘OK, I should give it a try’. If only to prove to myself that I’m not yet over the hill, I’m going to get over them hills. If while walking I can raise some much needed funding for SOFII, that’ll keep me going.’   

Well, with your help, he did it! SOFII‘s appeal is now  nudging £22,000 (US$30,000). 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they‘ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they‘ll send your money directly to SOFII. So, it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Ken is also walking to raise money for The Hub, his local village hall. See his fundraising page for The Hub here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kenburnett-thehub 

Ken said, ‘A BIG, BIG thank you to all donors. And with special appreciation to all who elect to be anonymous. I wish I could thank you in person, but this will have to do. Just know, you are a hero.’